Set forth, having thought it through once more, in writing these foundations for the reduction of the Small SNK, obtain the opinion of the Chairman of the Small SNK, pass these foundations through the Politburo and then quickly develop them into a new statute.

Perhaps restrict the commissions further? strengthen the role in terms of actual verification? subordinate all work more directly to the deputies of the STO Chairman?

With communist greetings
Lenin

First published in 1945
in Lenin Collection XXXV

Printed from the manuscript

3

20. II.

Comrade Tsyurupa!

Another word on the matter of working in a new way.

I shall attempt to formulate its programme as follows:

(1) tighten up the SNK and STO tenfold in the sense that the People's Commissars shall not dare drag trifles into them, but resolve them themselves and answer for them themselves;

(2) make the apparatus of the Administrative Department of the SNK (now idle three-quarters of the time) responsible for this; carrying this out;

(3) the same concerning the Small SNK plus its drastic reduction;

(4) take a portion of the members of the Small SNK and its apparatus, as well as the apparatus of the Administrative Department of the SNK, under your personal command for verification of actual implementation (You assign to so-and-so: go, look, read, check, you will answer for any negligence).

(5) For you (and Rykov) to allot

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V. I. LENIN

Answer me. We shall think it over, consult with members of the Central Committee and quickly consolidate such (or another) programme.

Your Lenin

P.S. And Bryukhanov is not suitable. We must search for another. For now create a "troika" there, something stronger.

Written 20 February 1922

First published in 1928
in Lenin Collection VIII

Printed from the manuscript

4

Comrade Tsyurupa! I am sending you my addendum. I advise you to obtain by Thursday brief opinions from all the People's Commissars and all members of the Small SNK.

Your Lenin

By a special supplementary resolution indicate: The principal task of the Small SNK must be strict supervision to ensure that the People's Commissariats: 1) observe the laws; 2) do not evade responsibility by unnecessarily transferring a multitude of superfluous questions for decision by the Small SNK, but resolve questions themselves, under their own responsibility or by agreement of two or more People's Commissariats in the regular manner; 3) verification of the legality, expediency and speed of individual directives and actions of the People's Commissariats; struggle against bureaucratism and red tape through such verification and relentless reduction in the number of officials.

Written 20-21 February 1922

First published in 1928
in Lenin Collection VIII

Printed from the manuscript

5

Comrade Tsyurupa! It seems to us there remains a fundamental disagreement

369